Should it follow the Egyptian sphinx, a companion beast to kings, benevolent and rule-abiding?
Here’s how to run a Sphinx as a dungeon boss, both before and during the actual confrontation.
Take note of what abilities your players have access to when planning out this combat.
The sphinx family has been expanded with non-legendary encounters to fill out lower levels.
The Sphinx of Wonder works well as a minion to stronger encounters.
Both the Sphinx of Lore and Valor have access to the same abilities here.
Sphinx of Valor, by Hazem Ameen
While not a traditional legendary action, each sphinx has a unique roar action.
The Sphinx of Valordoesn’t even need to give up a multiattack to use it.
Almost all roars target wisdom saving throwsand inflict debilitating conditions like incapacitated or paralyzed.
Sphinx of Valor, by Hazem Ameen
The lair action with the biggest influence on a straight fight is forcing everyone to reroll initiative.
The other abilities serve more flavourful functions but as a result dont work in a straightforward encounter.
The 2014 sphinxes also were able to cast a spell for three legendary actions.
While the Androsphinx had access to banishment, its rarely a fun spell to use against players.
Instead, thebest way to deal with the battle with the sphinx is to turn it into a test.
This is especially a good idea if youre using the 2014 versions.
Sphinx of Lore, by Hazem Ameen
This allows you to use their unique powers in different ways.
Here are a few ways a Sphinx can use these abilities to serve as an indirect antagonist.
Guardian Beast
Valor
The Sphinx’s roars only impact enemies, allowing it to easily protect a master.
Sphinx of Wonder, by Hazem Ameen
Free access to Heroes' Feast lets it provide powerful buffs to a larger group of bodyguards.
Beware of the blob, it creeps and leaps and glides and slides across the floor…
Sphinx of Secrets by Hazem Ameen
